Aw, the writing life. I had the best experience ever this weekend. Walked into a Barnes and Noble and there was my book on the shelf. I didn’t expect it, because the lay down date was 11/28, which of course was yesterday (Tuesday). Anyway, I put on my promo hat, thinking of Mario and our pal Jeff Shelby who never miss an opportunity, and asked for the manager to introduce myself. She was terrific. Not only had me sign the books but took a picture for the store scrapbook. What a thrill!!!!

So the not so good part was my “non review” in the Denver Post. I met the sci/fi reviewer, Fred Cleaver, at MileHiCon. He’s a very nice man who was kind enough to have brought my arc along with him to the con to have me sign. He also said he was reviewing my book for his column and that he liked it. I was extremely pleased and excited. So, when the column appeared on Sunday, I eagerly sought out my review. Unfortunately, it was obvious that the column had been cut and what had been cut was the “review” part of my review. So, the cover was there, a two paragraph incomplete synopsis, but the most important part, whether he liked it or didn’t, was omitted. I guess now I’ll never know!

On Monday night, I attended Janet Lane’s first signing for her debut novel, Tabor’s Trinket at the Tattered Cover in Denver. Talk about setting the bar for such events, Janet had live music and a quartet that performed a “singing synopsis.” It was great! I’m looking forward to reading her book and I wish her all success. She’s a class act.

Other fun things: Here is a link to some info about the “eighth” season of Buffy coming in graphic-novel form in March. Even includes sample panels. I'm excited about this!

Mario was named one of the ten Latino authors to watch. Congrats, Mario!

A blog reader, Richelle said about the new James Bond: Yeah, I dug this too. Scruffy Bond turned out to be incredibly hot, and seeing him drive the economy rental Ford was the best thing ever.I responded something about I thought it was a Shelby GT, thereby forever relegating myself to the ranks of the seriously uniformed as far as cars go. I guess I was too busy looking at Daniel Craig to notice what he was driving. At the time, I was thinking of the scene where he crashed. And then, I'm told, he was driving an Aston-Martin. You can tell I'm NOT a car person!

So what else is new? I’m growing more nervous with every passing moment. Have to sell books now and it’s a daunting prospect. Anybody have some new and interesting promotional ideas to offer? I’m open to all suggestions!! Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone to sing my plot at my first signing here in Denver next month. Maybe somebody out there would like to volunteer???

I think you were right on with chatting up the manager. I read recently (can't for the life of me recall where) about two authors who made a goal to visit every bookstore they could. They spent hours driving and shaking hands, but it worked. Signed books get put on endcaps and are much less likely to be returned. They also made a point of meeting everyone who works in the store, even the coffee guys. One author ended up on the NY Times list.

Hi, Jeanne, how exciting to see your book already on the shelves! When I had my launch a very generous friend with a catering business offered to provide food and drink. The bookstore was happy because guests linger longer and buy more books when there are refreshments. Another friend asked me if I'd like him to play guitar. Absolutely. I hadn't even thought about asking him, but it turned out great. He even connected with my catering pal for possible events.

Perhaps you have some talented friend who might want to perform for your book launch.

I got my three Amazon copies of "The Becoming" today and will pick up another at TC at the signing (gotta support the host store). Poof, I get some special Christmas gifts (which will be signed, right? :D) bought and get to support my friend, too. How cool is that? :D

Wow-- That's right! How could I forget-- I do have a talented friend, aspiring writer, who might be able to take care of the singing part!! Actually, I had another idea, too, it involves a gift Mario gave me..a pair of 38's...More on that later!!

XOX Jeanne

PS Thanks for ordering my book--many of them, in fact. You are the best!